Check Your Friends

Keep Your Distance

Keep four seconds of following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Tailgating, speeding, and underestimating dangerous situations are some of the main factors in teen vehicle deaths.

Focus on Driving

Driving is a complex task and requires the driver’s full attention. Examples of distractions are blasting the music, loading up your car with friends, and using your phone. Using your phone while driving is illegal in Virginia for individuals 18 and younger

TTYL

Texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers in Virginia, no matter their age.

Sleep Nine

Teens need at least nine hours of sleep, which allows you to stay alert while driving.

Stay Sober

Alcohol use by people under 21 is prohibited in Virginia. The penalties for Virginia’s "zero tolerance" law regarding teens and alcohol include losing your license for a year, and fines or community service.

Respect Role Models

When first learning to drive, respect the ground rules your parents and caregivers set and stick to them. Pay attention to the advice from experienced drivers.

Save Your Driver

Drivers are twice as likely to die in frontal crashes when back-seat passengers are unbuckled.

Educate Yourself

The main reasons for teen-related fatalities and serious injuries in single-vehicle crashes are not buckling up, speed, inexperience, and alcohol. The more you know, the more you can prevent unnecessary crashes.